Nitecore HC65 headlamp review
The Nitecore HC65 headlamp was released in 2018. It uses Cree XM-L2 LED, SMO reflector and 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. The powerful emitter in this headlamp provides up to 1000 lm output, 3000 cd intensity, and a beam distance of 110 m.
Excited to learn if the HC65 lives up to expectations? Read on!
Table of Contents
- Nitecore HC65 specifications
- Body, materials, weight, colors
- System, LED, lens, reflector
- Performance, flux, intensity, throw
- Software, user interface, modes
- Features, battery, protections
- Accessories, package contents
- Links
- Conclusion, pros and cons
- Photos
- Comparisons
The content of this article reflects our own experiences and viewpoints. We aim to offer insights on a topic, and we hope others find it helpful and motivating. Additionally, we make every effort to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage.
The HC65 headlamp is designed to provide hands-free light. It lets the user to have both hands free for other tasks. This light has 5 modes of lighting. The memory function is a nice feature, the light will remember the last used mode. It has a strobe function, which is one of the most effective self defense tools available. This Nitecore USB rechargeable flashlight comes with versatile charging options.
Nitecore HC65 specifications
| Brand | Nitecore |
|---|---|
| Name | HC65 |
| Type | HC65 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2018 |
| Form | headlamp |
This is a comfortable headlamp. Whether you're engaging in outdoor activities like camping, running, or fishing, etc.
Body, materials, weight, colors
| Weight | 62.7 g |
|---|---|
| Length | 82.7 mm |
| Head diameter | 18.3 mm |
| Material | aluminium alloy with HAIII hard-anodized finish |
| Colors | black |
The HC65 is small, compact, and designed for ultra-portability. The length of a flashlight can affect how it feels in your hand and how you can grip it. The aluminium body of the HC65 has a reputation for being durable and strong. The HAIII coating resists corrosion well. The HC65 flashlight comes in a stylish black color.
System, LED, lens, reflector
| Emitter | Cree XM-L2 LED |
|---|---|
| Color temperature | 6500 K |
| Reflector | SMO |
| Lens | AR coated glass |
| Switch | electronic side |
Cree is a US-based LED manufacturer. It is well-regarded for its high-quality products and innovation in lighting. Color temperature is used to quantify the color appearance of light sources. The HC65 has a smooth reflector. It gives you a better hotspot, and it throws better. The AR coating reduces the loss of light due to reflections, allowing more light to pass through the lens. The flashlight has electronic switches.
Performance, flux, intensity, throw
| Flux | 1000 lm |
|---|---|
| Intensity | 3000 cd |
| Throw | 110 m |
| CD/LM factor | 3 |
With 1000 lm, the HC65 flashlight will offer a brighter and more powerful beam of light. The HC65 flashlight has 3000 cd, it provides a much brighter and more intense beam. The throw is the distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. The cd/lm factor is the candela-to-lumen ratio. It shows how concentrated a light source's output is.
Software, user interface, modes
| Modes | 5 modes |
|---|---|
| Mode memory | yes |
| Ramping mode | no |
| Strobe | yes |
| SOS/Beacon | yes |
A flashlight's modes are different output settings or brightness levels. The flashlight has mode memory. It remembers the mode you were using when the light was last turned off. You can use Strobe for signaling purposes. It can also be used for self-defense or to attract attention in emergency situations. The HC65's SOS mode produces a specific sequence of long and short flashes.
Features, battery, protections
| Battery | 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery |
|---|---|
| Battery indicator | yes |
| Charger port | microUSB |
| LVP | yes |
| Thermal regulation | yes |
| Protection | IPx8 |
| AUX LEDs | yes |
| Magnetic | no |
| Specials | high CRI light red light white light |
The Nitecore HC65 flashlight is powered by 1 x 18650 Li-Ion battery. The battery indicator helps users check the battery status. The built-in charger allows for convenient and versatile charging. The flashlight detects when the battery's voltage has dropped to a certain level. The built-in thermal control adjusts brightness output to prevent overheating. The "8" in the IPx8 rating means the highest level of protection. Extra LEDs have different colors or modes, they can help with specific tasks.
Accessories, package contents
| Package contents | 18650 battery headband microUSB cable spare o-ring |
|---|
It comes with a battery. The battery must be fully charged before you first use your HC65. Replacing worn or damaged O-rings helps a lot.
Links
| Official site | https://flashlight.nitecore.com/ |
|---|
Conclusion, pros and cons
This Nitecore flashlight, like any other, has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a close look at both sides to understand this flashlight better. I share my thoughts on its standout features and the parts that might need improvement. Keep in mind, these are just my opinions, and you might have a different perspective.
Pros
- lightweight
- aluminium body
- AR coated lens
- side switch
- adequate performance
- multiple modes
- mode memory
- tactical strobe
- SOS/beacon function
- battery indicator
- USB charger
- low-voltage protection
- thermal regulation
- waterproof
- auxiliary LEDs
- battery included
Cons
- cool light
- low intensity
- non-magnetic
Photos
Comparisons
According to our statistics, the Nitecore HC65 flashlight was most often compared on our site with the following flashlights.
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Updated: May 2, 2024
